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PICTURES: Hundreds turn out for Dornoch's extended St Andrew's Fair


By Caroline McMorran

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Organisers promised that this year’s St Andrew’s Fair in Dornoch would be bigger and better than ever this year.

And how right they were, as the Dornoch and District Community Association (DaDCA) and partner organisations put on not one but four events.

There was the traditional fair, held as usual at Dornoch Community Centre (social club).

There were plenty of stalls to browse round at Dornoch Community Centre (social club). Picture: Andy Kirby
There were plenty of stalls to browse round at Dornoch Community Centre (social club). Picture: Andy Kirby
Managers of Dornoch Social Club made sure it was looking its festive best for the indoor market, with a Christmas tree, tinsel and starts. Picture: Andy Kirby
Managers of Dornoch Social Club made sure it was looking its festive best for the indoor market, with a Christmas tree, tinsel and starts. Picture: Andy Kirby

And this year there was also a bazaar at Dornoch Academy; a community market at Dornoch South Car Park; and as if that wasn’t enough, Christmas gifts and treats were on sale at Dornoch Hub.

Each venue was packed full of festive stalls offering a wide range of goods and gifts perfect for Christmas presents.

Pop-up cafes were set up at the venues with Allsorts After School Club serving delicious homemade soup, home baking and refreshments at the community centre to raise money for the service.

Shoppers at Dornoch Academy were treated to musical entertainment by students.

Isla Robertson and Alexander Shepherd were among a number of Dornoch Academy students who provided musical entertainment at the fair in the school. Picture: Andy Kirby
Isla Robertson and Alexander Shepherd were among a number of Dornoch Academy students who provided musical entertainment at the fair in the school. Picture: Andy Kirby

And Santa spent the afternoon in his grotto at the school, bringing Christmas cheer to many children.

Santa was in his grotto at Dornoch Academy on Saturday afternoon and was helped by Katie O'Donnell, Lucy MacLennan and Emma Sutherland. Picture: Andy Kirby
Santa was in his grotto at Dornoch Academy on Saturday afternoon and was helped by Katie O'Donnell, Lucy MacLennan and Emma Sutherland. Picture: Andy Kirby

Sutherland MP Jamie Stone was among the hundreds of locals and visitors to enjoy the extended St Andrew’s Fair.

Speaking at the fair, he said: “Today is Small Business Saturday right across the UK and I am here in Dornoch for the Christmas Fair and boy, has it been fun.

“I’ve Christmas presents. I have bought food and I have bought myself a lovely mug made in Brora to drink my tea out of in Westminster.

Jamie Stone with the mug he bought from Ard Beag Ceramics.
Jamie Stone with the mug he bought from Ard Beag Ceramics.

“And you know what has been terrific is that everything I have tasted and I have seen and I have bought has been made locally in and around Dornoch.

“And that is a real tribute to the skills that we have here locally. But it also shows what we can make in the Highlands and hopefully export from the Highlands. Let’s build up the business based on what we have got.

“But you know what is really special is that all of this is kind of like a rising crescendo towards Christmas. Christmas is coming!”

The Sea Shell Sisters, Faye and Robyn Holder with their granny Eileen MacRae. The sisters collect shells from Dornoch beach and turn them into beautiful creations. Picture Andy Kirby
The Sea Shell Sisters, Faye and Robyn Holder with their granny Eileen MacRae. The sisters collect shells from Dornoch beach and turn them into beautiful creations. Picture Andy Kirby
Dornoch Academy student Zara MacDonald at her craft stall. Picture: Andy Kirby
Dornoch Academy student Zara MacDonald at her craft stall. Picture: Andy Kirby
Aimy Fraser, Matthew Gallon and Katie Hogart manned the Dornoch Academy raffle stall. Picture: Andy Kirby
Aimy Fraser, Matthew Gallon and Katie Hogart manned the Dornoch Academy raffle stall. Picture: Andy Kirby
Shetland sheep breeders Jan Charge and Sally Wild, who last year launched Dornoch Fine Shetland Wool, took a stall at the St Andrew's Fair to sell their own yarns. Picture: Andy Kirby
Shetland sheep breeders Jan Charge and Sally Wild, who last year launched Dornoch Fine Shetland Wool, took a stall at the St Andrew's Fair to sell their own yarns. Picture: Andy Kirby
Jill Barnes and Heather Murray on the Marie Curie stall. Picture: Andy Kirby
Jill Barnes and Heather Murray on the Marie Curie stall. Picture: Andy Kirby
Tain artist Linda Macfarlane showcased her work at Dornoch's St Andrew's Fair. Picture:Andy Kirby
Tain artist Linda Macfarlane showcased her work at Dornoch's St Andrew's Fair. Picture:Andy Kirby
Neil Dalton (centre), chairman of East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) and supporters ran a fundraising raffle on behalf of the voluntary organisation at the St Andrew's Fair in Dornoch. Picture: Andy Kirby.
Neil Dalton (centre), chairman of East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) and supporters ran a fundraising raffle on behalf of the voluntary organisation at the St Andrew's Fair in Dornoch. Picture: Andy Kirby.
Volunteers making up rolls and finishing off cakes to serve at the St Andrew's Fair at the community centre. Picture: Andy Kirby
Volunteers making up rolls and finishing off cakes to serve at the St Andrew's Fair at the community centre. Picture: Andy Kirby
Euan and Morven Cameron sample some Dornoch Tablet from Mhairi Mackay's Dornoch-based Thistle Bake. Picture: Andy Kirby
Euan and Morven Cameron sample some Dornoch Tablet from Mhairi Mackay's Dornoch-based Thistle Bake. Picture: Andy Kirby

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